Monday, September 21, 2009

Pittsburgh Engagement Photo Ideas

The cool weather and the lovely fall leaves seem to cry out for cute couples to kiss beneath branches and snuggle up on park benches. Not surprisingly, I have quite a few engagement sessions scheduled for the next few weeks. So, I thought I'd try to help folks prepare to get their best engagement pictures with a few tips I've learned along the way.

1) (this is the most important tip): HAVE FUN. Period.

This seems too simple to be true, but it's not. If you and your fiance/e can relax and just enjoy each other's company, the photos will reflect it. That means not worrying about what happened at work that day, forgetting about the list of things you need to do for the wedding, and just focusing on the person you love the most. Even if it's just for a couple of hours amidst a hectic schedule.

2) Location, Location, Location.

I've photographed engagement sessions all over the Pittsburgh area, and I know of some really great places to go. I'm also up for the new and unexplored. So, I can give you good advice on locations, but you have to decide where you'll be most comfortable. A busy street downtown might not be your cup of tea, so a quiet park might be a better fit. Or, conversely, wandering under shaded trees just isn't your thing--and you love the idea of graffiti-ed walls and cool concrete. Let's do it!

Or, maybe you like them all--we can do that, too. Just let me know your thoughts, and we can plan for the perfect location.

3) Dress appropriately.

This is really broad--but basically, wear what you're comfortable in. And bring a change of clothes to add some variety! Just be sure not to clash with each other. Ie, avoid overly patterned clothes or colors that don't mesh well.

I loved how this couple changed things up with different outfits:

4) Be You (And Affection is OK)

Every engagement session I photograph is unique, and that's because every couple is unique. That's part of the fun--I love getting to know each of my couple's story and seeing how they interact. So, try to forget about my big camera (trust me, you will), and turn your attention on your lover.

Above, be yourselves! I loved how this couple brought their bikes, an integral part of how they met.